Who is Nate Scheelhaase and what must Rams fans know about this future NFL HC

For the most part, the LA Rams coaching staff will remain intact in 2025. That is to say that the team is unlikely to lose any coordinators, and may lose a handful of positional coaches. While other teams poach some elite coaches from the Rams, the potential loss of numbers to other teams is simply not in the same ballpark as other years.

The depletion of talent from the team's coaching staff could be very significant. We have already discussed how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jacksonville Jaguars - Liam Coen saga has precipitated the Bucs interviewing Rams QB Coach Dave Ragone. He is one of the masterminds hired by the Rams to coach up young quarterback Stetson Bennett. From what we witnessed in the 2024 preseason, their tutelage is taking hold of the now-soon-to-be-third-year quarterback Bennett.

But Ragone was not the only impressive coaching hire by the team in 2024. Let's talk about the wunderkind, Nate Scheelhaase. For openers, he was hired in 2024 to assume the role previously held by offensive pass game specialist, Jake Peetz. If you recall, Peetz signed on with the Seattle Seahawks in 2024 to become their passing game coordinator.

Enter Coach Scheelhaase, stage left.

Who is Nate Scheelhaase?

One of the most admirable qualities about the coaching hires by the LA Rams is the acceptance that coaches who join the staff are: (1) Truly knowledgeable of their area of expertise, (2) Great at communicating techniques and objectives to players, (3) Personable (who wants a grouch on the staff?), and (4) Able to coach both veterans and rookies effectively. But occasionally, the Rams find a diamond in the rough who is innovative with his offensive concepts.

Nate Scheelhaase is an excellent example of innovator.

We broke down Coach Scheelhaase a year ago, but now that he is the toast of the NFL, perhaps now would be a great time to revisit that article (click this link here). I can give you some highlights if you can't revisit that previous feature article. So what must you know?

I - Scheelhaase worked offensive miracles at Iowa State

When Nate Scheelhaase took over as the offensive coordinator at Iowa State, the proof that he was made for an offensive innovator role was instantaneous. He improved the Cyclones offense from 20.2 points per game to 26.2 points per game. He also led his team to incredible efficiency in the Red Zone (31 of 33). As you recall, the Rams offense wanted to improve in that area in 2024.

II - He helped Brock Purdy shock the NFL

Scheelhaase was with the Iowa State Cyclones coaching staff when San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy was playing. It's no coincidence that Purdy arrived to the NFL and earned a starting quarterback role with the 49ers.

I - Scheelhaase filled a vital role in Rams offensive coaching staff

With the exodus of Jake Peetz, Nate Scheelhaase is the next in line of several successful coaches who have gone on to become NFL offensive coordinators and head coaches. What is that role? ESPN Jeremy Fowler shared an excellent video expose by ESPN NFL Insider and analyst Sarah Barshop about the role that Nate Scheelhaase fills for the team.

It may not seem very important, but Barshop does an excellent job of addressing that point. Not only did current Cincinnati Bengals HC Zac Taylor serve in that role for the Rams in the past, but even HC Sean McVay described his experiences in that role on the Washington Commanders coaching staff so many years ago.

The role is a springboard for offensive coaches to use as a platform for advancing their own NFL careers.

Why is Scheelhaase important to the Rams coaching staff?

The Rams loaded up the coaching staff with coaches who had amazing track records at developing young players. The problem is that the team focused on infusing youth into the defensive side of the football. A recent Jim Rome Podcast episode featured GM Les Snead, and the topic of discussion centered around how the front office managed to restock the roster.

But look for the team to pivot from defense to offense in the 2025 NFL Draft.

That amplifies the need of Scheelhaase to remain on the staff. While he illustrates and shares the offensive plays each week, he is also vital at communicating those plays and general offensive principals to players. If the team executes their interest in adding playmakers to the offense, the presence of Nate Scheelhaase on the Rams coaching staff could play a huge part in their NFL careers getting off to an excellent start.

Great generals need great lieutenants, and Nate Scheelhaase is a consensus rapid-riser in NFL coaching circles. The Buccaneers have interviewed TE Coach Nick Caley, QB Coach Dave Ragone, and Pass Game Specialist Nate Scheelhaase for their offensive coordinator vacancy. Hopefully, they hire from another team. I love the Rams coaching staff, and would love to see them sink their teeth into a new class of rookies.

As always, thanks for reading.

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